‘I... I...’ don’t know what to say.
‘No, you don’t have to tell me. It’s written on your face when you look at him. But I doubt he’s ever been in love. Of course, there have been girls. Lots of girls, I shouldn’t wonder.’ I feel myself shrink in my seat. How much does she know? ‘I’m sure his father saw to that, not that I blame Faris, and not that I have any say over his plans. In his own twisted way, he’s trying to set his son on what he sees as the right path. He thinks Kai is leading a wild life and he’ll be ready to settle down when he’s done.’
‘It’s probably the way dad’s usually think, with son’s I mean.’
‘Perhaps. But Faris isn’t a usual father. Heaven only knows what that man is up to. Unfortunately, the stereotype fits him well.’ I must look confused as I have no idea what she’s talking about. ‘Urbane, educated liars,’ she prompts, as though I should understand. ‘Men who promise you the world, but in the end it amounts to nothing. Faris promised me the world and I often wonder what would’ve happened if...’ Her words trail off, her mind turning inwards as her face clouds. She shakes off the clinging grievance. ‘No matter. He looks at his own life, at me, and I know he’s trying to prevent the same from happening to Kais. An unsuitable wife.’ Her grip tightens on my hand. ‘But Kais will live his life ashewants, not as he’s told. Neither one seems to realise they’re cut from the same, stubbornly thick cloth. There will be rough times ahead, Kate, but don’t lose sight of my boy and what you mean to him.
Kai returns to the room at that minute, brandishing an open bottle. ‘The prodigal returns!’ he exclaims. ‘And Regina says brunch is ready.’
Brunch is served in a large family-style room, complete with an intimate table setting. We dine, I distractedly, on herbed, grilled chicken and a deliciously crispfatoushsalad, complimented by a zesty dressing and lemony breadsticks. Mishael explains that sumac, the lemon-scented herb coating the bread, is used extensively in Arabic cuisine, and tells me she has the berry growing in her garden. The conversation flows, but I find myself quiet at the table as I try to process his mother’s words. How can she know he loves me? Does she know her son that well? And what of the implications of his father again? Doesn’t anyone in this family say what they actually mean?
‘The girls are coming over later, maybe you could stay?’ she asks Kai before turning to me with an explanation. ‘Kai’s sister and a couple of his younger cousins. Lovely girls.’ Wow, the whole family thing. And his sister is a half-sister, isn’t she?
‘We can’t, I’m taking Kate out to the desert.’
I set my wine glass down. ‘You are?’
‘Part two of our mystery destination,’ he replies casually.
‘You mean you didn’t let the poor girl know she was coming out here?’
‘No. I didn’t want to frighten her with the thoughts of seeing the old dragon.’
‘Charming.’ Somehow it comes out more likearsehole.His mother is lovely and doesn’t breathe fire at all. Him, on the other hand. ‘I wonder how you describe me when I’m not around.’
‘Now that would be telling,’ he answers with a deep chuckle. ‘And, there’s a third part to the mystery day. Something I’ve thought long and hard about.’ He taps his full bottom lip as though in deep contemplation. That one motion has me both thrilled and a little anxious as to what else is in store.
‘What are you doing for the holidays?’ his mother interjects, deftly changing the subject. ‘Weren’t you going to Egypt to climb?’
‘I haven’t made firm plans. I was hoping to entice Kate away.’
This is news to me. Usually, when someone wants to take a holiday with you, they ask. Mind reading isn’t a great medium for communication. But a climber? That would explain Kai’s lithe physique and muscle definition, for sure. I can just imagine him in cargo pants, mounting a rock face. Somehow that doesn’t sound quite right, but I imagine it all the same.
‘Do you have plans for the half term holiday, Kate?’
‘Sorry?’ I’m obviously radiating that colour again as Kai coughs into his napkin, hiding a sly smile. ‘I haven’t thought about it. It seems weird taking a holiday when I’ve only just started work.’
‘It’s because of the government holidays. They have everyone upside down this year due to their early fall. I think the school is closed for ten days in total, including the weekends. It would be a shame to spend them in Dubai when you have the opportunity for a holiday,’ she adds.
‘If you don’t already have plans, I’d love to take you somewhere.’ Kai tilts his head towards one shoulder. ‘Where would you like to go?’
‘Don’t put the girl on the spot, Kais. Let her have a think.’
‘Sounds great. I’d love to go on holiday. With you.’
‘We just need to choose a destination, then. Goa, the Maldives, Sri Lanka?’
‘Anywhere, so long as it doesn’t involve climbing. I barely have enough upper body strength to lift my coffee cup.’
Mishael stands in response to a noise from the hallway, laughingly commenting, ‘Are all Australian’s as entertaining as you, Kate?’
Entertaining? I wasn’t kidding.
‘Where should we go?’ Kai asks as she leaves the room.
‘What do you want t—’
‘You. Anywhere andallof the time, but I meant where would you like to go?’
